Letters -- Published July 21, 2011

When my friends try to draw me into discussions about the gay lifestyle, I quickly end the attempts with two responses.

When my friends try to draw me into discussions about the gay lifestyle, I quickly end the attempts with two responses.

One, what happens in your home and bedroom is none of my business, and two, name for me one species of animal, other than the human species, that practices or tolerates this lifestyle?

The conversation usually changes at this point. However, when I read in the July 6 Record the article, "Gay history bill awaits governor's signature," I was amazed by how much time and effort has been given to this bill when more pressing issues confront California. I am more surprised that those who opposed gay marriage are not speaking out. Why are our children being drawn into this discussion when they are the least capable of forming opinions and drawing conclusions of their own about it?

The article states that the author of the bill is trying to give recognition to groups that are not often recognized. I would answer that we could talk for hours about the accomplishments of blacks, Latinos, Indians and others without the mention of their race or sexual preference.

We should not allow our children to be manipulated in this manner. Nor should they become pawns in such subtle games by our legislators. Stop the nonsense and start solving the problems affecting this state.

Lawson CrosbyStockton

» NOTE: Gov. Jerry Brown on July 13 signed a bill making California the first state in the nation to add lessons about gays and lesbians to school social studies classes.

An honest person keeps his word and pays his honest debts. An honest country does the same.

America has borrowed money by selling bonds domestically and overseas. The lenders did not ask or care what we were spending it on, whether it was Medicare, war, tornado relief or cotton subsidies. They only cared that we promised to pay back with interest. They bought, and the interest was low because they trusted the U.S.

If the simple and elementary morals of default are not reason enough, then the practical consequences would make us the suicide bomber of the world's economy. Default is clearly an option we dare not consider. Perhaps we should not have spent borrowed money where we did. The time to debate and decide was before it was spent. Now we owe it and integrity demands we repay it.

We all know that there are honest and deeply held differences of opinion on taxing and spending. Yet, those who would force our country into dishonor unless certain demands are met are practicing blackmail at its worst. No president or member of Congress should have to work under this threat.

Having made it clear that America will honor its promises, Congress must promptly then turn to the issue of future spending, borrowing and taxation. To simply raise the debt limit, forget it for a few months and then raise it again - as has been done so often - just delays real solutions to our financial problems as those problems continue to worsen.

Oran Lee JohnsonMountain Ranch

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In the all-too-familiar style of the Democrats, President Barack Obama again has lied to the American people. Targeting senior citizens, he said, "Unless the debt ceiling is raised, Social Security checks may not be sent." Don't fall for this!

It's a despicable attempt to frighten seniors so they bring pressure to bear on the Republican legislators. Aided by the media, he won't be challenged for his blatant fear-mongering tactics. Worst of all, his lie might actually cause the deaths of some who will succumb to fear-induced heart attacks. It infuriates me!

The truth: Entitlement programs are not affected by the debt ceiling. What is affected is the ability of legislators to continue spending with abandon.